Spin South West radio hosts Ed and Meghann asked the star: “Name one girl you would love to date.”

To which he replied: “Lily Collins.”

Lily, 28, seemed to be happy with his answer as she went on to follow the singer on Instagram after the radio chat.

The To The Bone star then proceeded to like several of Niall’s pictures, something that was instantly noticed by the pair’s followers.

Fans began speculating that the actress was trying to get the singer’s attention as one pointed out: “Lily Collins has been liking nearly ever picture of Niall’s so what I’d like to know is why haven’t they started dating yet (sic).”

While another stated: “I always see Niall and Lily Collins liking each other’s pictures, can they like get together.”

Niall has previously revealed some of his other celebrity crushes over the years and was believed to have had brief romances with the likes of Selena Gomez, Ellie Goulding Demi Lovato and model Barbara Palvin.